Theatre Arts Ronda Craig

Lakeview Middle School Class Syllabus

“I want to return to my beautiful dream of the theatre. I want to remain always in the dressing room or the wings or above all, the stage, where for a few hours life is all we wish it were and not unfortunately as it is.” – Our Leading Lady

Instructor Information:

Ronda Craig

(903) 235-3744

Class information can be found on my staff page on the Lakeview website (Lakeview.lisd.net). Please subscribe to this page for important announcements, as well as an outline of class activities, handouts, assignment sheets, etc.

Fee:

There is a $40.00 Activity Fee for all students enrolled in Theatre classes. This fee will be applied for a Theatre at The Colony - Lakeview t-shirt, all supplies for class (including a binder for our theatre notebook, admission to Theatre at The Colony productions, project, design, and stage make-up supplies), and membership dues for the Theatre at The Colony Booster Club. Fees should be received by September 4th. Checks should be made payable to Theatre at The Colony Booster Club (or TATCBC).

Textbook:

A set of the Experiencing Theatre textbook is available in Mrs. Craig’s classroom.

Course Objective:

Students willlearn perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation. Through perceptual studies, students increase their understanding of self and others and develop clear ideas about the world. Through a variety of theatrical experiences, students communicate in a dramatic form, make artistic choices, solve problems, build positive self-concepts, and relate interpersonally.

Grading policies:

Because everyone comes to theatre from a variety of backgrounds and training, grading will not be based on “talent” but on EFFORT and GROWTH.

Grades will be weighted as:

Minor Daily grades40%

Major grades/Performances/Tests60%

As a student of the theatre, it is vital to see other theatre productions. Students are required to see a live stage production each 9-week grading period (4 total performances per school year). Students will be required to have their production Playbill or ticket and will also complete a performance evaluation within 5 days following the performance. Performance attendance and evaluation will be a major grade. Students are welcome to attend Theatre at The Colony performances at The Colony HS or Lakeview MS may be attended free of charge. I will also notify students of performances they may enjoy throughout the community and LISD.

Extra credit will be offered to all students at any time by reading a play and writing a 1-page report on the play and a 1-page report of the playwright.

Make-Up Work:

You will have one day for every day you are absent to turn in assignments assigned while you were gone. Missed assignments will be placed in your class folder at the entrance of the theatre classroom. It is your responsibility to ask for all make-up work.

Classroom Expectations:

It’s Showtime! Students are expected to:

  • SHOW RESPECT FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS
  • SHOW YOU ARE PREPARED
  • SHOW YOU ARE LISTENING
  • SHOW YOUR ENTHUSIASM
  • SHOW YOUR STRONG WORK ETHIC
  • SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

Failure to comply with classroom expectations may result in a verbal reprimand, time owed after class, time out from class activity, a change in seating, contacting the parent, and detention.

Daily classroom procedures will be reviewed in class and are attached.

Theatre Notebook:

Students will maintain a notebook to effectively organize their theatre study. The notebook will be checked once every 3 weeks and an organizational grade will be taken once per 9-week period. The Theatre Notebook will include the following sections:

  • Reflective Journal
  • Notes/Handouts/Tests
  • Design
  • Monologues
  • Reviews

Technology Policy

The use of technology is permitted in the Theatre classroom as long as it is being utilized in a manner than enhances the curriculum. For example, cell phones and iPads may be utilized for time management, note taking, emailing the instructor, setting reminders, research, etc., AS LONG AS IT IS A PART OF THE THEATRE CURRICULUM. You may not text, play games or be on any social network during class time. In other words, cell phones should enhance your learning, not distract from your learning.

Restroom Policy

Class time is of the utmost importance and should not be spent for restroom breaks. Please try to take care of restroom breaks and the beginning or end of class. Students MUST have a pass to leave the class for any reason.

Theatre Class Tips

  • This class will move very fast. Keep up and think ahead!
  • Try not to miss class.
  • If you are having problems, ask for help.
  • Have an abundance of energy.
  • Take a risk: allow yourself to be open and creative…and maybe look a little silly!
  • Have a positive attitude.
  • Stay on task, but have fun!

To be SUCCESSFUL in class:

  • Accept the teacher as the director.
  • Your theatre notebook should remain in class.
  • Be dependable: no excuses.
  • Always have enthusiasm, positive attitude, a willingness to try, and imagination.
  • Be cooperative with others (Theatre is a team effort!).
  • Leave negative attitude at the door!

You might also want to:

  • Become involved in co-curricular theatre activities, plays, and events.
  • Attend meetings and become a member of the International Junior Thespian Society (We meet the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each money).
  • Strive to always do well in your other classes.
  • Assume responsibility within the theatre department (just ask us!).
  • Learn to manage your time and energies.

Units of Study:

  • Introduction to Theatre
  • Theatre History
  • Improvisation
  • Voice and Diction
  • Storytelling
  • Pantomime
  • Acting
  • Character Analysis
  • Script Study and Analysis
  • Costume, Set, Make-Up Design
  • Playwriting
  • Monologues
  • Performances

I look forward to a wonderful school year as our adventure into theatre begins. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Thank you,

Mrs. Craig

------

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read and understand the policies and guidelines of Theatre at The Colony – Lakeview and hereby agree to adhere to them.

______

Student Name (Printed)Student Signature

______

Parent SignatureParent Email Address

______

DateTheatre Class Period

Please return this form to Mrs. Craig no later than Tuesday, September 1st.